Maritime Operator Safety System
What is the Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS)?
MOSS is the main safety system for most of New Zealand’s domestic fleet. It is based on the principle that safety on vessels works best when the owner, skippers, and crew take responsibility. Under MOSS, operators create a safety system that fits their own vessels and the way they operate.
Have a Maritime Transport Operator Plan (MTOP)
Your MTOP sets out how you will manage safety across your whole operation. Developing a MTOP can take some time. We recommend you begin it at least six months before you intend to start operating.
Apply for a Maritime Transport Operator Certificate (MTOC)
You must hold a valid MTOC along with an MTOP to legally operate a commercial maritime transport service. Maritime NZ recommends you allow 12 weeks for processing your application.
Have a surveyed vessel
Your vessel must hold a current Certificate of Survey issued by a surveyor recognised by the Director of Maritime NZ (Recognised Surveyor). You should contact a surveyor early to discuss the process, and the time required to bring your vessel into survey. We recommend you start around 6 months before you wish to start your operations.
Have licensed seafarers before you begin your operations
All crew members that are performing duties must hold the correct maritime certificates.
Maritime NZ has amended maritime rules to clarify requirements for non‑commercial use of a commercial vessel.
Non‑commercial use:
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can only be when the vessel is used exclusively for the owner’s or operator’s pleasure
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cannot be for hire or reward
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must be a discrete voyage that is separate from any commercial trip.
You can help minimise delays by doing the following:
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use the checklist in the guide to ensure that you have included all the required information
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fill out the application form fully. Use a form downloaded from the website as this will be the most up to date
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include all the information required for the fit and proper person check.
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print clearly if your application is handwritten to avoid transcription errors
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double check the email address if you email your application, keeping the email size to less than 25 MB and that you receive an acknowledgement email
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keep an eye out for emails from us, as we may ask for further information. To help you find your emails it is recommended that you add the following to your contacts: [email protected]
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pay your invoice quickly once you receive it.
It is recommended that you start preparing your entry into MOSS at least 6 months before you want your operations to start. You should send your application three months before you need to start operating.
Operator certificates
Processing times for operator certificates vary depending on the type of certificate. Allow up to 8 weeks for any application.
When we receive your application, we review what you have provided and aim to contact you within 10 working days if we need more information. Once we have all relevant information, your application will proceed to assessment.
Seafarers
You are required to have licensed seafarers before you begin operating in MOSS. Applications for seafarer certificates can take up to 10 working days to process from receipt of a complete application.
Application numbers always increase towards the end of the year. They will be assessed in the order we receive them but there is always the chance they will not get done before the Maritime NZ office is closed.
Some applications will take longer to process
Some applications take longer to process because we need to look more closely at particular aspects to ensure the operation can operate safely, and in an environmentally responsible way.
Applications may take longer when:
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you are applying to Maritime NZ for the first time
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your application includes information that needs further review by a specialist, for example complex operations
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your Ministry of Justice check includes information that may be of concern.
If we think your application will take longer to process, we will contact you to explain why.